Saito takes courage from Osaka, Djokovic

Japan’s Sarah Saito has the honour of topping the seedings in the girls’ event at Roland-Garros this year, a new experience for her, but one she has earned thanks to several outstanding performances on the junior circuit.

The 16-year-old kick-started her quest for a first Grand Slam title with a confident 6-0, 6-3 win over France's Daphnee Mpetshi Perricard on Sunday.

After breezing through the first set, Saito showed some frustration as Perricard hit back early in the second, but quickly steadied the ship to record a convincing victory.

“The first set was very good but in the second, I started to make some mistakes and it was more difficult,” she said.

Saito is No.2 in the junior world rankings and has already climbed to No.476 in the WTA rankings thanks to her results in ITF events.

She played with poise and power against Perricard, mixing spins and changing the trajectory of the ball to constantly keep her opponent guessing what was coming next.

Mutual inspiration

In a week when Mirra Andreeva reached the third round of the women’s event, Saito may just have taken inspiration from her fellow teenager.

As juniors, Saito and Andreeva – who are the same age – have met twice, with one win apiece. It was when Saito beat Andreeva that she realised that she might just be on the right track to becoming a top player, having figured out a way to win despite being well aware of Andreeva's impressive reputation and results.

Clay education

Unlike many Japanese players, Saito had the benefit of being able to play in Europe in her early junior years, helped by funding from a medical company in her home country – the CEO was keen on tennis and wanted to help.

That also ensured that she has played on red clay before, although the jury remains out as to whether it’s a good surface for her or not. “I wouldn’t say I love it, but I wouldn’t say I hate it either,” she said with a smile.

Growing up in Japan, Saito was inspired, naturally, by the performances of four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

But her favourite player is Novak Djokovic. “He never makes mistakes on the court,” she said.

Djokovic is well used to handling the pressure of the big occasion but Saito said she was trying to shut out the expectations that come with being top seed. “I am just trying to focus on the matches,” she said.

As a leading junior, Saito has everything in place to go on to have a strong senior career but unlike many top young players, the 16-year-old has humble goals.

“I would like to be someone who is supported when she plays,” she said.